In one aspect, a request to generate an automated tour based on a set of panoramic images is received. Each particular panoramic image is associated with geographic location information and linking information linking the particular panoramic image with one or more other panoramic images in the set. A starting panoramic image and a second panoramic image are determined based at least in part on the starting panoramic image and the linking information associated with the starting and second panoramic images. A first transition between the starting panoramic image and the second panoramic image is also determined based at least in part on the linking information for these panoramic images. Additional panoramic images as well as a second transition for between the additional panoramic images are also determined. The determined panoramic images and transitions are added to the tour according to an order of the tour.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the link describes a first orientation of the first image and a second orientation of the second image.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the consistent movement in a first direction from the first image to the second image provides a feeling of moving along a line in the first direction.
This invention relates to image processing techniques for creating a sense of motion in a sequence of images. The problem addressed is the lack of smooth, directional movement perception in image sequences, which can lead to disorientation or visual discomfort for viewers. The solution involves generating a sequence of images where consistent movement in a first direction from a first image to a second image creates a feeling of moving along a line in that direction. This is achieved by ensuring that the transition between images maintains a coherent directional path, enhancing the perception of linear motion. The method may include capturing or generating the first and second images, processing them to emphasize directional consistency, and displaying them in sequence to produce the desired motion effect. The technique can be applied in virtual reality, augmented reality, or other visual display systems where smooth motion perception is critical. By controlling the movement between images, the invention improves user experience by reducing visual disruptions and enhancing spatial awareness. The approach is particularly useful in applications requiring precise motion tracking or navigation, such as gaming, simulation, or medical imaging.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition further includes displaying a first portion of the first image at a first orientation to displaying a second portion of the first image at the first orientation before displaying the second image.
This invention relates to image transition techniques in digital displays, particularly for smoothly transitioning between two images. The problem addressed is the abrupt or visually jarring transitions that can occur when switching between images, which can disrupt user experience in applications like presentations, video editing, or user interfaces. The method involves a multi-stage transition process. First, a first image is displayed, and then a transition begins by displaying a first portion of the first image at a specific orientation. This portion is gradually shifted to reveal a second portion of the first image, still at the same orientation. Only after this intermediate step is the second image displayed. This intermediate step ensures a smoother visual flow by maintaining a consistent orientation during the transition, reducing perceptual disruptions. The technique can be applied in various contexts, such as slide presentations, video editing software, or any system requiring image transitions. The method may also include additional steps, such as adjusting the size or position of the displayed portions during the transition to enhance the visual effect. The goal is to create a more natural and less disruptive transition between images, improving user engagement and reducing visual fatigue.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the second image at the first orientation.
A system and method for image orientation correction involves capturing a first image of a document at a first orientation, where the document has a known orientation. The system detects the orientation of the first image relative to the known orientation of the document and determines a second orientation that corrects the misalignment. The system then generates a second image by rotating the first image to the second orientation, effectively aligning the document in the second image with its known orientation. Additionally, the second image is displayed at the first orientation, ensuring the corrected image is presented in the original viewing perspective. This method is particularly useful in document scanning and processing applications where maintaining proper alignment is critical for readability and further processing. The system may use image analysis techniques, such as edge detection or feature matching, to determine the correct orientation. The method ensures that the final displayed image is both correctly aligned and presented in a consistent orientation for user review.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the transition further includes a transitioning effect.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the transitioning effect includes at least one of panning or zooming.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition corresponds to a user moving forward through a space from the first image to the second image.
This invention relates to image-based navigation systems, specifically methods for transitioning between images to simulate movement through a physical space. The problem addressed is the need for smooth, intuitive navigation in virtual or augmented reality environments where users interact with panoramic or 360-degree images. The method involves capturing a sequence of images representing different viewpoints within a space, such as a room or outdoor environment. A user navigates by transitioning from a first image to a second image, where the transition corresponds to forward movement through the space. The system determines the user's position and orientation relative to the images and adjusts the displayed view accordingly. This may include blending or interpolating between images to create a seamless transition, ensuring the user perceives continuous motion rather than discrete jumps. The method may also incorporate additional features, such as adjusting the field of view or perspective based on the user's movement speed or direction. For example, faster movement may trigger a wider field of view to simulate peripheral vision, while slower movement may provide a more detailed, zoomed-in view. The system may also use sensor data, such as from a head-mounted display or handheld controller, to track the user's head or hand movements and refine the transition between images. The invention improves upon prior art by providing a more immersive and natural navigation experience, reducing disorientation and enhancing spatial awareness in virtual environments.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition corresponds to a user moving backward through a space from the first image to the second image.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition corresponds to a user moving at an orientation between forward and backward through a space from the first image to the second image.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the transition is further based on an overlap threshold parameter.
A system and method for generating transitions between media segments, such as video or audio clips, in an automated editing process. The technology addresses the challenge of creating smooth, contextually relevant transitions between segments without manual intervention, improving efficiency in media production workflows. The method involves analyzing the content of adjacent segments to identify shared or complementary elements, such as visual themes, audio cues, or semantic meaning. Based on this analysis, a transition effect is generated to bridge the segments, enhancing continuity and coherence. The transition generation process is further refined by incorporating an overlap threshold parameter, which defines the minimum degree of overlap or similarity required between segments to justify the application of a transition. This parameter ensures that transitions are only applied when there is sufficient contextual alignment, preventing abrupt or irrelevant transitions that could disrupt the viewing experience. The system may also adjust transition duration, type, or intensity based on the overlap threshold, allowing for dynamic adaptation to different content scenarios. The method supports various transition types, including cuts, fades, wipes, or custom effects, and can be integrated into automated editing pipelines for video production, advertising, or social media content creation.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the overlap threshold parameter corresponds to projecting a first field of view of the first image and a second field of view of the second image and determining a percentage of overlap between the projections.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the transition further includes after displaying the second image, a second consistent movement from a first portion of the second image to a second portion of the second image when the second image is a last image in the automated tour.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the consistent movement in a first direction from the first image to the second image provides a feeling of moving along a line in the first direction.
This invention relates to a system for generating immersive visual experiences, particularly for virtual or augmented reality applications. The system addresses the challenge of creating a sense of continuous motion in a virtual environment, which is crucial for user engagement and realism. The system captures a sequence of images, including at least a first image and a second image, where the second image is obtained after a consistent movement in a first direction from the first image. This movement creates a visual effect that simulates motion along a straight path in the first direction, enhancing the user's perception of movement. The system may include additional components, such as sensors or processing units, to track and analyze the movement between images. The consistent motion between images ensures a smooth and coherent visual experience, reducing disorientation or discomfort for the user. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring precise motion tracking, such as virtual reality navigation, augmented reality overlays, or interactive simulations. The system may also incorporate techniques to adjust the visual output based on the detected movement, further improving the realism of the experience. By providing a seamless transition between images, the system enhances the overall immersion and user satisfaction in virtual environments.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to display the second image at the first orientation.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the transition further includes after displaying the second image, a second consistent movement from a first portion of the second image to a second portion of the second image when the second image is a last image in the automated tour.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the transition corresponds to a user moving forward, backward, or forward and backward through a space from the first image to the second image.
This invention relates to a system for generating and displaying image transitions, particularly in virtual or augmented reality environments. The problem addressed is the need for smooth, intuitive navigation between images or scenes, especially when a user moves through a physical or virtual space. The system captures a first image from a first position and a second image from a second position, then generates a transition between them. The transition corresponds to user movement—forward, backward, or a combination of both—through the space. This allows for seamless transitions that reflect natural motion, enhancing immersion. The system may use sensor data, such as from cameras or motion trackers, to determine the user's movement direction and speed, ensuring the transition aligns with the user's actions. The transition can be applied in real-time or pre-rendered, depending on the application. The invention improves user experience in virtual environments by providing transitions that feel natural and responsive to movement.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
March 30, 2020
October 25, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.